Jim Wherry spent nine seasons as a volunteer assistant men's basketball coach at the
State University of New York at New Paltz before retiring following the Hawks' 2023-24 run where they enjoyed their winningest season to date. The team finished with its first 20-win season at 20-8 overall, the No. 2 seed in the SUNYAC Tournament and hoisted the program's first ever SUNYAC Championship title after upsetting No. 5 nationally ranked Oswego on their home floor.Â
Over the years, Wherry has served as graduate assistant coach at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, head coach at New Paltz High School and Dutchess Community College and assistant coach at Marist College.
During his playing days at Bucknell University, Wherry set five school scoring records, including highest career scoring average (19.2 points per game), which still stands. He served as team co-captain his senior year, and was an All-Middle Atlantic Conference player.
Wherry is a member of the Bucknell University Sports Hall of Fame, earning induction into the Hall of Fame in 1987.
Wherry is also an adjunct instructor at Dutchess Community College and Marist College. He and his wife, Cheryl, are long-time residents of New Paltz.
